How to remove control arms and spindle?

[msg]

Before I break something or myself, what is the best way to separate the upper and lower control arms from the spindle? Im trying to break down the front end so that I can get the frame sand blasted and the spots where the ball joints drop through the spindle are giving me trouble. I tried a pickle fork on the spot at the top of the spindle but no dice.

Ive already removed the u bolts that held the lower control arm on the axle and the shock and spring.

[nsb29]

if you hit the side of the spindle right where the ball joint goes through with a hammer it will brake it loose you may have to hit it several times but it works every time good luck Doug

[Evoracer]

Deep socket, long bolt with nut. Run the nut up the bolt, insert bolt end into socket. Place between upper and lower ball joint ends, put tension on them with the bolt. Sharp blows on the spindle with a bfh.

[bj383ss]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=624464

[msg]

Thanks guys, got the spindle removed now!
Since I am taking it all apart to sandblast and put back together, I had a few questions.

Is it best to replace the control arms or break them down and blast and re assemble? I'd like to not spend more than I have to but I didnt want to make a wrong move.

I assume that the brake disc and spindle should be taken apart and sand blasted but is it not a good idea to try and remove the rust from the disc where it might warp it?

Is it difficult to remove the disc from the spindle?

[jdl71]

I don't think there is anything that can really go wrong with the arms themselves unless they are bent or cracked or something. I'd just remove ball joints and shafts, clean up and reassemble with new parts as needed. I'm not sure about blasting the disc and spindle though, someone else can probably answer that. Just curious, how did you do the disc conversion?

[sixTsix]

When disassembling the CA's ...make sure the bushing threads inside the arms themselves don't strip out. When I pulled mine apart, the bushing nuts, my lowers striped out. Looked like there never was threads machined in them. Other than that you should be good as long as none are bent ect...

[donthekawguy]

When I did mine I had one of the holes for a LBJ that was too big. I had to get a control arm from a wrecking yard. Of course I found out after I had them powder coated so it cost me and extra $30 and a week.

[bj383ss]

The disc come off of the spindle real easy just pop the cap, pull cotter pin from castle nut and everything comes apart. You will have to clean the bearings and repack them with grease. You can blast the spindle just make sure you tape off the machined part where the disc goes. I would take your discs and have them turned. Then mask off the machined parts and the center hub and paint all the rough casting part.

[nsb29]

Originally Posted by bj383ss

The disc come off of the spindle real easy just pop the cap, pull cotter pin from castle nut and everything comes apart. You will have to clean the bearings and repack them with grease. You can blast the spindle just make sure you tape off the machined part where the disc goes. I would take your discs and have them turned. Then mask off the machined parts and the center hub and paint all the rough casting part.

blast the disk paint them and thin have them turned saves masking

[msg]

Originally Posted by jdl71

I'd just remove ball joints and shafts

Is removing the ball joints difficult or removing the ball joints?
I was watching this video but I'll probably rent a ball joint press from Auto parts store.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X9iOPpaBYA

Originally Posted by jdl71

Just curious, how did you do the disc conversion?

It was 10 years back, I took it to a custom shop and had them do it for close to $1500. Its run perfect, just wanting to get things back into better shape.


Thanks to all of you for the replies!!! I hope to get things going again this weekend.

[jdl71]

Originally Posted by msg

Is removing the ball joints difficult or removing the ball joints?
I was watching this video but I'll probably rent a ball joint press from Auto parts store.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X9iOPpaBYA

In the first pic it looks like you already have ground the rivets off, or undone the bolts for the upper. Just needs to be pressed out. When I did it I took the control arms off and and took them to a tire shop that pressed them out for me. I do a good amount of business there so it was one of those "don't worry about" deals when I asked how much. I don't think it would cost much if you did have to pay someone. As for the shafts, I did those myself, just need some big sockets and cheaters and someway to hold it still while loosening the nuts. A bit unorthodox, but this is how I did it: